Transcript: HC Rex Ryan 12/26/12

Alright, obviously, going into this game, (there are) no playoffs on the line, winning record, all that stuff is out. But we’re playing a team with a lot of talent. And with that being said, I think you start with the running back, you look at C.J. Spiller, and you guys would know this more than I would, he’s averaging 6.5 yards a carry. I don’t know when the last time that happened, I don’t know how Adrian Peterson’s doing in Minnesota, but I can’t remember a guy averaging, going into the last game of the year, 6.5 yards a carry. So the first week, when he went crazy against us, I guess he’s gone crazy against a lot of people, so obviously (they’re) very talented there. You have the (Stevie) Johnson kid with about 1,000 yards receiving again. So they have some weapons, certainly, on offense. Then on defense, I guess it’s kind of quiet (joking), but Mario Williams has 10.5 sacks, so I think that’s pretty good. Then the (Marcell) Dareus kid, I think has 5.5 sacks and then Kyle Williams has 5.0. So, (they’re) obviously capable up front of putting pressure on the quarterback. And then the (Jairus) Byrd kid, I think has five picks. So with that being said, I think the most impressive part of their team may be their special teams. The Bills are always strong on special teams. I think (Rian) Lindell’s maybe only missed one kick the whole season, which is saying something when you kick half your games in Buffalo where the wind can go crazy. But they’re always strong on special teams and this year’s no different.

On how he keeps the team motivated for Sunday…

Well, I think the big thing about motivation is you have an opportunity to go compete. You’re in the National Football League and obviously, that’s your job. But besides that, it’s more about this is an opportunity for you and, shoot, nothing’s ever guaranteed, whether it’s a player, coach, whatever. For some guys in our locker room, it could be the last game they ever play in the National Football League. The last game they could ever play, you never know. But also, it’s just a chance to compete with your teammates and I think that’s a big thing. It’s about being professional and finishing the year no matter what.

On if he’ll give more of an opportunity to the younger players on Sunday…

We’ll see how it goes, but that’s a possibility. Maybe get another young guy up or two. We’ll see how it goes. I know we’ve had some injuries. I’ll get to (the injury report) with you guys. But somebody like Damon Harrison might be a guy that you play some this week. Muhammad Wilkerson’s not practicing today. I might as well give you all this before I forget. So Muhammad Wilkerson had a concussion and knee, so he won’t practice today. All these players won’t practice, Dustin Keller, ankle, Ellis Lankster, concussion, Chaz Schilens, knee, Aaron Berry, hamstring, LaRon Landry, heel and hamstring. So, all those players will not practice. And the guys that will be limited today will be Braylon Edwards with a knee and hamstring, Bryan Thomas, chest (and) Ricky Sapp, ankle. The following players will be full today, that’s Kenrick Ellis, knee, Mark Sanchez, low back, Matt Slauson, knee, Jeff Cumberland, wrist, Calvin Pace, shoulder, Nick Mangold, shoulder, Bart Scott, toe, Joe McKnight, ankle, Bilal Powell, shoulder, Garret McIntyre, elbow, Nick Folk, mid-back, Brandon Moore, hip (and) foot, Tim Tebow, ribs, Sione Po’uha, low back, Greg McElroy, abdomen and Robert Malone illness. So, all those guys are expected to be full today.

On the pass protection against San Diego…

Obviously, against this team that can really rush the passer, as noted with those three guys, you’ve got to try to stay out of third-and-longer situations, clearly. But it falls on a lot of guys, it wasn’t just the offensive line breaking down, it was blitz pickup, it was possibly the quarterback maybe holding it longer or drops not being as consistent as (they should). There were some routes that were a little off. So I think, overall, it was (a lot of factors), which is not unexpected when you have that many sacks.

On how Wilkerson got a concussion after playing every snap…

That’s interesting because obviously, at the end of the game, that was (when it happened). It was kind of news to me that he has a concussion. Hopefully he’ll be able to play.

On when Wilkerson was tested for a concussion…

I think it was after the game. I’m not 100 percent sure. But I know I wasn’t aware of it until yesterday.

On the Philadelphia team coached by his father, Buddy, that recorded 11 sacks in a game…

I think the record is 12 and I think he was with the Bears, when (Buddy Ryan) had that record. We could use some of that this week ourselves. But no, it’s hard to imagine the only reason I knew it was that after the game, the number kept posting up there. I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, we’ve given up that many sacks?’ I think we had maybe nine or 10 against (Ben) Roethlisberger one year, it’s probably the most I ever had. But I don’t know how to address it, there are clearly several things that went wrong, and to San Diego’s credit, they were able to get that kind of pressure on the quarterback.

On how much he’s concerned that Wilkerson won’t play on Sunday…

That would be a big concern without question because I think Mo’s one of the best interior linemen in the league. Hopefully, he’ll get that kind of respect when the Pro Bowl voting comes out. Again, forget all that, I’d like for Mo to play but I am concerned with the fact that he can’t practice today.

On if the knee injury is also keeping him out of practice today…

Well, it’s (listed as a) concussion and knee (on the injury report), so I’m not sure. But take your choice, he’s not practicing.

On if Tebow will participate in practice as he normally would…

Well, yeah we’ll see how the week goes, on who’s getting what work and all that stuff. But like I said, in the game, Tim would’ve gone in the game, if I would’ve chosen to have him in the game.

On why he would go back to using Tebow in the Wildcat with the way Jeremy Kerley played on Sunday…

Again, I never said I was definitely going to do that.

On if he was upset that his conversation with Tebow requesting not to play leaked out of the organization…

Again, the conversation I had with Tim will be private.

On someone leaking out the nature of his conversation with Tebow…

Again, there are only two people who know what went on in that conversation. (That) would be Tim and I, at least my conversation with him.

On the possibility of all three quarterbacks being active Sunday…

Well, it’s certainly a possibility and right now, with this injury thing, we might not have that many (players available), so we’ll see how it goes as the week goes on. But it’s a possibility that we can dress all three. We’ve only done that once this year, but it could be less than that. I guess we’ll see how the week goes on.

On who will play Sunday if McElroy can’t play…

If Greg can’t go, I don’t know. That’s going to the what-ifs and everything else. Right now, I’m assuming Greg can go, so that’s how I’ll approach the game right now.

On McElroy’s injury…

Well, it looks like he’s practicing full, so it must not be that serious.

On when McElroy suffered his injury during the game…

I have no idea, but you get sacked 11 times.

On if he was told during the game that McElroy was injured…

No, not at all.

On what he learned about himself as a coach this year…

Well, I guess the big thing, I obviously never expected this type of season. There’s no doubt about that. But I guess, the consistency and all that type of stuff, those are things that you’re always shooting for and the frustrating thing to me is that I think that’s kind of what we’ve been lacking. We haven’t had that consistency. When you look at it on offense, there’s times we do a great job protecting the quarterback, do a great job running the football and then there’s other times when, obviously, the protection issues, especially this last week, I guess you can say it was consistent, but not in a good way. So I think that’s it and just trying to keep everybody focused on what’s in front of them. I know are guys are competing. They’re trying to do their best. But I think that’s kind of been disappointing and it’s certainly not something that I expected, so this is uncharted territory for me.

On the run defense improving with the return of Po’uha…

Yeah, it’s great to have Sione in there and you’re right, early in the season with that back (injury), and that was a thing where I never realized the extent of that (injury) but as he missed several games. Then you had Kenrick miss games on top of that, so it was kind of a snowball effect. But I think we are playing better run defense than we did, obviously, at the beginning of the year. So, I’m encouraged with that. I really like the way Mike DeVito’s playing, I think Mike’s doing a tremendous job and, obviously, you see Muhammad Wilkerson doing this. I’d like to get Quinton Coples to where his run technique improves and all that as well. It’s probably not there on par with DeVito or anybody like that yet, but I see some improvements there as well. Overall, I’ve been happy with how the D-line has progressed during the season.

On the performance of the defense without Revis…

Going into this season, I really thought that we were going to have a terrific defense. I absolutely thought that we would, I think I said a top-five defense, but I expected even better than that. Unfortunately, when he was out, obviously we’d much prefer to play with him, because, obviously, in my opinion, he is the top cornerback in football, but I also like the way some of our other guys have stepped up. I like the way (Antonio) Cromartie has stepped up and really filled that number one role. I think Kyle (Wilson) has done a good job overall playing that number two corner. The third corner, from Isaiah Trufant, to Ellis Lankster (to) (Darrin) Walls, we’re competing at that spot as well. Right now, statistically I saw a thing where we were second in the league in pass defense. I think that’s a big credit to the players that we have, guys stepping up in place of Revis and I also think it speaks volumes of the coaching staff. In particular, (Coach) Dennis Thurman and (Coach) Jim O’Neil have done a terrific job with that back end, and obviously (Coach) Mike Pettine and the job he’s done as well.

On the performance of the offense this season…

I think going into the season, I was really excited. I thought we could do a lot of creative things, including using the Wildcat. I thought the Wildcat would probably be more successful than it’s been. The passing game, that’s kind of been a disappointment this year. When you look at it from a numbers standpoint, I think that’s been an obvious disappointment. There are a lot of factors that go into that though. We talk about the loss of Darrelle Revis, but I also think we see the loss of Santonio Holmes, and some of the fronts that we’re getting, I don’t know if you do that if a Santonio Holmes is out there playing receiver. We’ve had some inconsistencies there (with) who’s been healthy (and) who hasn’t. Dustin Keller, I don’t know how many games he’s been healthy for this year also. There are a lot of things that go into it. The turnovers are probably the biggest thing. It’s something that we stressed from day one that has not gone near as well as I had hoped.

On why he thought the Wildcat would be successful…

I think even with what we did previously here, with Brad Smith, some of those types of things. Also, let’s face it, Tim ran a lot of it in Denver. There were things (where) I thought we would probably have a little more success with (than) what we had. Like I said before, it’s not Tim Tebow’s fault or whatever, it just seems like that’s kind of the way it is. Whether defenses are catching up to it a little bit, I’m not sure.

On Tebow’s ability as a Wildcat quarterback…

He’s a full-time quarterback with running back skills. That’s something that you look at as probably an ideal guy at that spot.

On whether using a small and quick player to run the Wildcat might be more effective…

Certainly, when you look at it from a statistical standpoint, I think that could be true. Now look, there have been some third-and-ones where we’ve just run (Tebow) straight into the line and he’s picked those up. I think that’s been good and the average is not going (to be as high because) you’re doing it for a different reason. I know Buffalo will run a little (bit of the) Wildcat on short-yardage as well. Those are things that maybe from a statistical standpoint don’t jump out, but if he converts the first down, obviously that’s a successful play.

On whether Jeremy Kerley will run the Wildcat at Buffalo…

It’s certainly a possibility and if it’s something that they have to prepare for and I wasn’t going to do it, I wouldn’t say it either.

On players he thinks might make the Pro Bowl…

We have some guys definitely deserving of it. I think Antonio Cromartie, obviously, on defense stands out. I’m hoping that Muhammad Wilkerson gets recognized that way. I’m not sure that he will. Sometimes it seems like it takes a couple years, but clearly those guys have jumped out and I think they’re very deserving. LaRon Landry, I think he’s deserving. On offense, obviously, D’Brickashaw Ferguson has had a great year, a fantastic year. Nick Mangold’s been a staple at that Pro Bowl, and Brandon Moore. If they don’t get on the team, I expect some guys to receive some votes for sure.

On whether he thinks the team can make the playoffs next year without rebuilding it entirely…

First off, really for me to look past this week probably is not really appropriate right now, but maybe next week I’ll be ready to answer it. I have one game left here. We have one game left. That’s where all my attention is going to be and I think that’s what the fans deserve. I can probably give you an answer, but I’d rather dial in to this football team and be able to answer that question next week.

Jets re-sign DL Xavier Cooper for 2018 season

8:14PM

Cooper began the 2017 season with the 49ers before becoming cut in late October. The Jets scooped him up on Halloween, and he ended up playing eight games, totaling 10 tackles and one sack in the process.

The 26-year-old filled in during Muhammad Wilkerson's suspenion, and impressed as a fill-in. He will likely be vying for a depth role on the defensive front as well this season.

Could the Jets fill some of their needs via trade?

By Bent | 7:43PM

Now that the first and second waves of free agency are winding down, NFL teams are fairly limited in their options. There may still be upgrades available, but most players still on the market are damaged goods in one way or another.

However, with plenty of cap space still remaining and, let's face it, several positions at which they could still upgrade, perhaps the Jets are in a position whereby they could explore the trade market instead.

The Jets just gave up three second-round picks to move up in the draft, probably taking them out of contention if a star player like Dez Bryant became available. Perhaps they could trade for someone without reducing their total number of picks by way of a pick exchange or even deal a veteran player from a position of strength. Would they be prepared to trade Bilal Powell, Jermaine Kearse or one of their young backup receivers or cornerbacks?

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Daily News Live: Which QB will the Jets pursue?

6:16PM

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Forecasting the NFL Draft00:05:05

Ralph Vacchiano joins Daily News Live to discuss which quarterback the Jets might take with their No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.

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Bridgewater excited to be a part of 'ambitious' Jets team

4:00PM

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(Brad Rempel)

The Jets' newest QB Teddy Bridgewater can't wait to be a part of what his new team is building.

The 25-year-old made his move to the Jets official on Sunday when he signed a one-year, $6 million deal that has $9 million in incentives tied to it. He becomes another young asset for the Jets, and he couldn't be any happier to try and revitalize his career in this environment.

"I'm excited about the direction we're headed in," Bridgewater told Jets.com's Ethan Greenberg. "I'm excited to be a part of something that can be very special and I just look forward to getting to work with the guys and a great year."

Here is the most up-to-date information on whom the Jets have added and lost during free agency, including contract details and salary cap information. The official signing period begins Wednesday at 4 p.m., so be sure to bookmark this page and check back for frequent updates.

JETS SALARY CAP SPACE

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Jets could take shot on WR Terrelle Pryor

12:00PM

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(Brad Mills)

The Jets may be looking to bring in more offensive help as free-agent WR Terrelle Pryor is expected to visit the team on Tuesday, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirmed.

Pryor, who is currently meeting with the Seahawks Monday, will fly directly to the east coast for his meeting tomorrow.

He was a big free-agent target last offseason after producing a 1,000-yard season on 77 receptions with the Browns in 2016. He eventually signed a one-year, $6 million pact with the Redskins, but his production fell drastically due to injury.

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Jets missed out on dynamic offensive weapon in Jerick McKinnon

12:30PM

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The Jets made a solid offer, but it wasn't enough to land one a dynamic weapon in RB Jerick McKinnon this offseason.

McKinnon was high on the Jets' list of players they sought with their generous cap space this offseason, according to the Daily News' Manish Mehta. However, he eventually signed a four-year, $30 million deal with the 49ers that includes $12 million guaranteed for next season.

Like the Jets, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan understood how versatile McKinnon's skill set could be in his offense, which is why he made such a hard push for him. Jets' OC Jeremy Bates and run-game coordinator Rick Dennison both worked under Kyle's father, Mike Shanahan, so it isn't surprising a player like McKinnon was high on their radar.

What's next for the Jets this offseason?

Aug 12, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan reacts on the field before a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Armed with $90 million-plus in salary cap space and extra draft picks, Jets GM Mike Maccagnan has been a busy man the last few days. He's reshaped his roster, reset the quarterback position, and possibly put his franchise in contention for the next few years.

Mike Maccagnan makes legacy-defining trade: He better be right

Ernie Accorsi knew back in 2004 that he would always be remembered as the GM that brought Eli Manning to the Giants. Whether it worked out or not, that would be his legacy, regardless of everything else he accomplished in his career.

That's the way it now is for Mike Maccagnan. He began to define his legacy as the Jets GM with the bold trade he made on Saturday to ship three second-round picks to Indianapolis to move up from 6 to 3 in the NFL draft. And in less than six weeks, on April 26, he will further define it when he picks the player he expects will be the Jets' long-awaited franchise quarterback.

Now he just better be right...

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Maccagnan's bold trade aims to solve Jets QB quandary

Jets acquire no. 3 pick in draft from Colts

Nov 2, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan on the sidelines before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

The Jets have spent years, even decades stuck in Quarterback Hell, in a never-ending search for an elusive franchise quarterback.

And Mike Maccagnan is serious about ending that run.

The Jets GM made the boldest move of his tenure on Saturday morning, making a stunning trade to move up even closer to the top of the 2018 NFL draft. He acquired the No. 3 overall pick from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for the No. 6 overall pick, the Jets' two second-rounders (37th and 49th) and a second-rounder in 2019...

Tyrann Mathieu, a player on the Jets' radar, has agreed to a deal with the Texans, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter is reporting the deal is worth one-year, $7 million for the Honey Badger.

The Jets were looking for some more help in their secondary, and even S Jamal Adams tried to recruit his LSU friend to New York.

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Daily News Live: Bowles, Maccagnan scour draft options at QB

Mar 16 | 6:51PM

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Jets aiming to draft a QB00:03:54

The Daily News Live panel discuss the Jets' quarterback options in this year's NFL Draft.

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Demario Davis surprised Jets 'didn't make me an offer'

Mar 16 | 10:30AM

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New York Jets inside linebacker Demario Davis against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports)

Former Jets linebacker Demario Davis said he felt surprised New York never made him an offer in free agency before he signed with the New Orleans Saints.

"The shocking thing was the Jets didn't make me an offer, so that made my decision easy because all I had to do was look at the contenders," Davis said, according to the New Orleans Advocare's Rod Walker. "It would have been something to weigh."

Jets re-sign CB Morris Claiborne to one-year deal

Mar 15 | 9:10PM

New York Jets cornerback Morris Claiborne breaks up a touchdown attempt to Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry in the second half at MetLife Stadium. (Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports)

The Jets have re-signed CB Morris Claiborne to a one-year, $7 million deal, SNY's Ralph Vacchiano confirms. The news was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Last season, Claiborne started and played in all but one of the Jets' games. The 28-year-old had one interception and eight passes defended, as well as 46 tackles. He was drafted 6th overall by the Cowboys in the 2012.

Claiborne returns to an improved secondary after the Jets signed CB Trumaine Johnson to a five-year, $72.5 million deal. Johnson is expected to be the team's no. 1 corner.

The Jets have signed K Cairo Santos, the team announced. The deal is one-year, according to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.

Santos, 26, endured an injury-riddled 2017. He injured his groin in preseason, kicked the first three games for the Chiefs before being placed on IR and released in September. He signed with the Bears in November, kicked in two games then was placed on IR again after re-injuring his groin. Between the two teams, he made four of his five field goal attempts.

For the first three years of Santos' career, he converted 84.3 percent of his field goal attempts overall and was 7 for 12 from 50 yards or more. Santos replaces the outgoing Chandler Catanzaro, who signed with the Buccanneers.

Santos was born in Brazil and first learned of American football when he came to St. Augustine, Florida as an exchange student before playing college football at Tulane. He's the first Brazilian to play in the NFL.

Analyzing the Jets' free-agent additions so far

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater drops back to pass during the first half an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer) (Mike Roemer/AP)

The top priority for the Jets was absolutely clear: Find a franchise quarterback. End the decades-long search. That's why they went so hard after free agent Kirk Cousins.

But they couldn't sign him. And so their never-ending question at quarterback remains.

Though it's hardly their fault that Cousins chose a better situation in Minnesota over the future potential of the Jets, the quarterback situation still looms big over what has otherwise been an incredibly successful start to free agency for GM Mike Maccagnan and the Jets...

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Seferian-Jenkins signs two-year deal with Jaguars

The Jets had recently upped their offer to Seferian-Jenkins

Mar 15 | 4:35PM

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New York Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins catches a touchdown pass during the second half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The play was overturned on review for failure to maintain possession of the ball. (Ed Mulholland/USA TODAY Sports)

TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins is leaving the Jets for the Jaguars, Seferian-Jenkins posted on Thursday while giving gratitude to the Jets. Seferian-Jenkins also visited with the Seahawks.

The deal is for two years and $10 million, and can be worth as much as $11 million, a source confirmed to SNY's Ralph Vacchiano.

The Jets increased their offer to Seferian-Jenkins Tuesday night, according to Vacchiano. The original offer was $8 million for two years, with not much guaranteed.

Which players could Jets target to fill remaining holes?

By Bent | Mar 15 | 3:30PM

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Nov 2, 2017; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan on the sidelines before a game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports (Brad Penner)

Bent, theJetsBlog.comFollow on Twitter: Now that the first wave of free agency is over, we can start to take stock of the outstanding needs for the Jets and potential ways to address these in free agency.

Defensive End

Mike Maccagnan downplayed the need for defensive line help following the departure of Muhammad Wilkerson, but the team probably still needs to add a starting-level player to replace him...

It became official on Tuesday afternoon when McCown re-signed with the Jets, according to his agent, Mike McCartney. The 38-year-old McCown returns on a one-year deal, according to an NFL source, that could pay him as much as $10 million.

The Jets officially announced the deal on Wednesday night.

And that is Part 2 of what SNY has reported is the Jets' Plan B at quarterback. Part 1 is signing 25-year-old Teddy Bridgewater -- and as SNY reported earlier on Tuesday, the Jets are currently engaged in contract talks with the soon-to-be-former Viking.

How does Avery Williamson fit in Jets' defensive system?

By Bent | Mar 14 | 12:00PM

Much of the attention surrounding the Jets' offseason moves so far has been centered around the quarterback position with the addition of Trumaine Johnson stealing most of the non-quarterback headlines. However, the Jets filled an important spot with the signing of former Titans linebacker Avery Williamson last night. Let's consider how well he fits into what the Jets typically like to do on defense.

On the face of it, this seems pretty straightforward; Williamson replaces Demario Davis as the team's Mike linebacker, and slides into his role. However, it might not be as simple as that.

Jets to sign Teddy Bridgewater on Wednesday

After the Jets missed out on quarterback Kirk Cousins, the team is set to sign Teddy Bridgewater and bring back Josh McCown.

The Jets' Plan B at quarterback now officially stands for (Teddy) Bridgewater.

With the quarterback that the Jets desired (Kirk Cousins) heading to Minnesota, the Jets quickly turned their attention to Bridgewater on Tuesday and they are now expecting to sign him when the free-agent signing period opens on Wednesday, according to an NFL source.

The Jet Stream: Reaction to Cousins signing with Vikings

Mar 13 | 3:00PM

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Jonas Schwartz and Willie Colon are back for another edition of The Jet Stream podcast, where they discuss missing out on Kirk Cousins and the possibility of signing Teddy Bridgewater. Later, the guys talk about where GM Mike Maccagnan should focus his attention as the free agency period starts.

Could RB Dion Lewis fit in Jets backfield?

Jets among teams showing interest in the Patriot

Mar 13 | 2:40PM

The Jets are looking to add some running back help. And if they can take a key player away from the New England Patriots, even better.

They'd accomplish both if they're able to sign free agent Dion Lewis, whom they are interested in according to an NFL source. The 27-year-old Lewis is one of the top backs on the market, and the Patriots are trying to lure him back too.